totally confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is completely unclear or difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions for the new software update were totally confusing, leaving many users frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's totally confusing.

The New York Times

These 45 names are totally confusing.

TechCrunch

Academic studies can be fascinating... and totally confusing.

Huffington Post

It was weird and it was totally confusing.

Vice

As such, it's no wonder that the process of buying or selling a home can be so stressful, frustrating, and, at times, totally confusing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Of course he's totally confused by everything when he comes home, but underlying this confusion is a serious resentment toward the civilian world that is at least partly a manifestation of his own shame and guilt.

The New York Times - Books

I'm totally confused.

The New York Times

I was totally confused by that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Channel 4 are totally confused," he says.

The Guardian

"I'm totally confused," she said one frigid morning last week.

The New York Times

Not having any idea what was going on, she was totally confused.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "totally confusing", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is causing the confusion. This helps prevent ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the source of bewilderment.

Common error

Avoid overuse of intensifiers like "totally". While it can add emphasis, excessive use can weaken your writing. Consider whether "confusing" alone is sufficient to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally confusing" functions as an adjective phrase, where "totally" intensifies the adjective "confusing". Ludwig confirms its standard usage. It describes a state or quality of something that is difficult to understand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally confusing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that is completely unclear or difficult to understand. Ludwig's analysis, based on a variety of sources, confirms this. It's often found in news and media contexts, as well as in wikis, suggesting a neutral register. While "totally" intensifies the adjective, remember to use it judiciously to maintain strong and impactful writing. Consider alternatives like "completely baffling" or "utterly perplexing" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely baffling

Emphasizes the mysterious and inexplicable nature of something confusing.

utterly perplexing

Highlights the puzzling and intricate nature of something confusing.

absolutely bewildering

Focuses on the disorienting and overwhelming aspect of confusion.

entirely incomprehensible

Stresses the inability to understand something at all.

thoroughly muddled

Indicates a state of being mixed up and disordered, leading to confusion.

genuinely disoriented

Focuses on the feeling of being lost and unsure, leading to confusion.

plainly ambiguous

Highlights the lack of clarity and the possibility of multiple interpretations.

downright obscure

Emphasizes the hidden or vague nature of something, making it hard to understand.

categorically unintelligible

Stresses the impossibility of understanding something in any way.

legitimately perplexed

Focuses on the feeling of being puzzled and uncertain due to something confusing.

FAQs

What does "totally confusing" mean?

The phrase "totally confusing" means something is completely unclear or difficult to understand. It emphasizes the intensity of the confusion.

What can I say instead of "totally confusing"?

You can use alternatives like "completely baffling", "utterly perplexing", or "absolutely bewildering" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "totally confusing" or "completely confusing"?

Both "totally confusing" and "completely confusing" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. They are largely interchangeable.

How can I use "totally confusing" in a sentence?

You can use "totally confusing" to describe anything that causes significant bewilderment. For instance: "The instructions were "totally confusing", so I asked for help".